The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones are engineered to provide a premium listening experience combined with cutting-edge noise cancellation technology. With a sleek design and a host of features, they cater to audiophiles and travelers seeking top-tier audio quality and comfort. In this review, we’ll delve into the specifications, pros, cons, and everything you need to know about the PXC 550-II.
Specifications:
- Type: Over-Ear, Closed-Back
- Driver Type: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 17 Hz to 23,000 Hz
- Bluetooth Version: 5.0
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours (with ANC on), Up to 30 hours (with ANC off)
- Charging Time: Approx. 3 hours
- Noise Cancellation: Adaptive NoiseGard™ Hybrid
- Supported Codecs: aptX™, aptX™ Low Latency, AAC, SBC
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The PXC 550-II delivers Sennheiser’s signature sound profile, characterized by clear mids, precise highs, and rich bass. Whether you’re listening to music or watching movies, the audio experience is immersive.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: The Adaptive NoiseGard™ Hybrid technology adjusts to your environment, effectively reducing ambient noise for an uninterrupted listening session.
- Comfortable for Extended Wear: The plush ear pads and adjustable headband make these headphones comfortable even during long listening sessions. They’re perfect for travel or extended work sessions.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: Controlling your music and calls is effortless with the touch-sensitive ear cups. Adjust volume, skip tracks, and take calls with simple gestures.
Cons:
- Price: The PXC 550-II is positioned in the premium range of headphones, which may be a significant investment for some buyers.
- Bulky Design for Some: While the over-ear design contributes to comfort, it might feel a bit bulky for users looking for a more compact and lightweight option.
Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Similar Products:
- Sony WH-1000XM4: Renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation and high-resolution audio, the WH-1000XM4 headphones are a strong competitor in the premium headphone market.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II: Known for their exceptional noise cancellation and comfortable fit, these headphones offer a balanced sound profile suitable for various genres.
- Bowers & Wilkins PX7: With impressive noise cancellation and premium build quality, the PX7 headphones are an excellent choice for audiophiles.
Is Sennheiser PXC 550 waterproof?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 is not marketed or designed as a waterproof or water-resistant headphone. It’s essential to note that electronic devices, especially headphones, can be sensitive to water, and exposing them to moisture may lead to damage.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the waterproof capabilities of the Sennheiser PXC 550 or any other product, I recommend checking the official Sennheiser website or contacting Sennheiser’s customer support directly. Manufacturers may update product specifications, and it’s always best to refer to the latest information from the source.
Are Sennheiser PXC 550 II good for gym?
The Sennheiser PXC 550 II is primarily designed as a pair of noise-canceling headphones suitable for travel and general everyday use. While they offer excellent sound quality and effective noise cancellation, they may not be the best choice for gym workouts. Here are a few reasons why:
- Build and Design: The PXC 550 II is not specifically designed for sports or physical activities. They are more delicate compared to sport-oriented headphones that are sweat-resistant and often more rugged to withstand the rigors of a gym environment.
- Comfort and Fit: The over-ear design might not be ideal for activities that involve a lot of movement, as they may shift or fall off during intense workouts. In the gym, many people prefer in-ear or on-ear headphones that provide a more secure fit.
- Sweat Resistance: The PXC 550 II may not have the level of sweat resistance needed for a gym setting. Excessive sweat can potentially damage the headphones over time.
- Noise Isolation vs. Awareness: While the noise-canceling feature is great for eliminating ambient sounds in a plane or a quiet office, it might not be safe in a gym setting where you want to be aware of your surroundings for safety reasons.
If your primary use is for the gym, you might want to consider headphones specifically designed for sports and workouts. These typically have features such as sweat resistance, a secure fit, and durable build to withstand the conditions of a gym environment.
Does sennheiser pxc 550 wireless pairing on windows 10
Yes, the Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones can be paired with a Windows 10 device. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the pairing process:
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Turn On the Headphones:
- Ensure that your Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are turned on. You can do this by sliding the power button to the right and holding it there until you hear the power-on sound.
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Enable Bluetooth on Windows 10:
- On your Windows 10 device, go to “Settings” (you can access this by clicking the Windows icon in the bottom left corner and selecting the gear icon) and navigate to “Devices.”
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Turn On Bluetooth:
- In the “Devices” settings, make sure Bluetooth is turned on. You can toggle it on by clicking the switch under “Bluetooth & other devices.”
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Put Headphones in Pairing Mode:
- Most Bluetooth headphones, including the PXC 550, have a dedicated pairing mode. On the PXC 550, you can activate pairing mode by sliding and holding the power button to the right after turning on the headphones. Release the power button when you see the LED light flashing blue.
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Pairing on Windows 10:
- In the “Bluetooth & other devices” settings, click on “Add Bluetooth or other device” and select “Bluetooth.” Windows will start searching for available devices.
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Select the PXC 550:
- In the list of available devices, you should see “PXC 550” or a similar identifier for your Sennheiser headphones. Click on it to initiate the pairing process.
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Complete the Pairing Process:
- Follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process. Once successfully paired, you should see “Connected” next to the PXC 550 in the list of Bluetooth devices.
Your Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones are now paired with your Windows 10 device. You can use them for audio playback, communication, and other Bluetooth-enabled functions on your Windows 10 computer.
How to turn on noise canceling on Sennheiser pxc 550
To turn on noise-canceling on the Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones, follow these steps:
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Power On the Headphones:
- Ensure that your Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones are powered on. If they are not already on, press and hold the power button until you hear the power-on chime.
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Access the CapTune App (Optional):
- Sennheiser provides a dedicated app called CapTune, which offers additional features for their headphones. You can use the app to customize your listening experience, including adjusting noise-canceling settings. If you have the app installed, open it on your mobile device.
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Use the On-Board Controls:
- The Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones have on-board controls located on the right ear cup. Locate the button with the noise-canceling icon, which typically looks like a crossed-out speaker or an “NC” label.
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Press the Noise-Canceling Button:
- Press the designated noise-canceling button on the headphones. This action should activate the noise-canceling feature. You may hear a confirmation sound or notice an indicator light on the headphones, signaling that noise-canceling is now enabled.
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Adjust Noise-Canceling Intensity (Optional):
- Some headphones, including the PXC 550, allow you to adjust the intensity or level of noise-canceling. If you wish to customize this setting, refer to the CapTune app or consult your headphone’s user manual for specific instructions on adjusting noise-canceling preferences.
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Verify Noise-Canceling Status:
- To confirm that noise-canceling is active, pay attention to any visual or audible indicators on the headphones. Some models display a light or change in color when noise-canceling is turned on.
Remember that the steps may vary slightly depending on the specific model or firmware version of your Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones. If you encounter any difficulties, consult the user manual provided with your headphones or visit the Sennheiser official website for detailed instructions tailored to your device.
How to use Sennheiser PXC 550-II?
Using the Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones is a straightforward process. Here are step-by-step instructions to help you get started:
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Charging:
- Before using the headphones, ensure they are adequately charged. Connect the provided USB cable to the charging port on the headphones and plug the other end into a power source. The LED indicator will show the charging status, and it’s recommended to charge them fully before the first use.
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Power On/Off:
- To turn on the headphones, press and hold the power button located on the right ear cup until you see the LED light indicating that the headphones are powered on.
- To turn off the headphones, press and hold the power button again until the LED light turns off.
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Bluetooth Pairing:
- Activate Bluetooth on your device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.).
- Put the headphones in pairing mode by sliding the power switch to the Bluetooth symbol and holding it there until you see the LED indicator flash blue and red.
- On your device, look for available Bluetooth devices and select “Sennheiser PXC 550-II” from the list to pair.
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Touch Controls:
- The right ear cup features touch controls for various functions.
- Swipe up or down to control volume.
- Swipe forward or backward to skip or rewind tracks.
- Tap once to play/pause music or answer/end calls.
- Double-tap to activate voice assistant.
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Smart Pause:
- The PXC 550-II has a smart pause feature. If you take the headphones off, the music will automatically pause. Put them back on, and the playback will resume.
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Noise Cancellation:
- Toggle the noise cancellation feature by using the switch located on the right ear cup. There are different levels of noise cancellation that you can adjust according to your preference.
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Customizing Settings:
- You can use the Sennheiser Smart Control app (available for iOS and Android) to customize your listening experience further. The app allows you to adjust equalizer settings, update firmware, and personalize various features.
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Wired Connection:
- If you prefer a wired connection, you can use the included audio cable to connect the headphones to your device. This is useful when the headphones are low on battery or if you want to use them with non-Bluetooth devices.
By following these steps, you should be able to effectively use your Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones and enjoy their premium audio quality and features.
How do you check the battery on a PXC 550 II?
To check the battery on the Sennheiser PXC 550 II headphones, follow these steps:
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Power On the Headphones:
- Ensure that the headphones are turned on. If they are not powered on, press and hold the power button until the indicator lights up.
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Check Battery Indicator:
- The PXC 550 II headphones have a built-in battery indicator that can be found on the right earcup. Look for a small LED light or a battery icon.
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LED Indicator Colors:
- The LED indicator may have different colors to signify the battery level:
- Green or White: High battery level
- Amber or Orange: Medium battery level
- Red: Low battery level, indicating that you may need to charge the headphones soon.
- The LED indicator may have different colors to signify the battery level:
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Voice Prompt:
- Alternatively, the headphones might have a voice prompt feature that announces the battery level when you power them on. Listen for any spoken indication of the remaining battery.
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Sennheiser CapTune App:
- If you have the Sennheiser CapTune app installed on your smartphone, you can also check the battery status through the app. Connect your headphones to the app, and it should display the current battery level.
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Automatic Power Off:
- Keep in mind that the headphones might automatically power off if the battery is critically low, which is another indication that you need to recharge them.
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Refer to the User Manual:
- If you’re unsure or if there are specific nuances to your particular model, always refer to the user manual that came with your PXC 550 II headphones. The manual should provide detailed instructions on checking the battery status.
Remember that the exact method can vary slightly based on the specific model and firmware version, so it’s essential to consult the product documentation for accurate information.
How do I clean my Sennheiser PXC 550?
Cleaning your Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones is essential to maintain their performance and hygiene. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean them effectively:
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Power Off and Disconnect:
- Turn off your Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones and disconnect them from any audio source.
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Remove Ear Cushions:
- If your headphones have removable ear cushions, gently remove them. Most Sennheiser PXC 550 models have ear cushions that can be detached for cleaning.
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Clean Ear Cushions:
- If the ear cushions are removable and made of fabric or leather, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Typically, you can use a mild solution of water and a gentle soap. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution, and wipe the ear cushions carefully. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching them to the headphones.
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Clean Headband and Earcups:
- Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe down the headband and earcups. Avoid using excessive water or any abrasive cleaning agents, as they may damage the material.
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Clean the Exterior:
- Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the headphones with a soft, dry cloth. Be cautious around buttons, switches, and ports to prevent water from entering.
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Cables and Connectors:
- If your headphones come with detachable cables, disconnect them and clean the connectors with a dry cloth. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching.
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Storage:
- When not in use, store your headphones in a cool, dry place. Use a carrying case if one was provided with your headphones to protect them from dust and scratches.
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Microphone and Controls:
- If your headphones have a built-in microphone, use a small, soft brush to gently remove any debris. Wipe down the controls and buttons with a dry cloth.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive materials to clean your headphones, as they can damage the finish and materials.
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Regular Maintenance:
- Make headphone cleaning a regular part of your maintenance routine. The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often you use your headphones and the environment in which they are used.
Always refer to the user manual that came with your Sennheiser PXC 550 headphones for specific cleaning instructions and any precautions provided by the manufacturer.
Can I wear Sennheiser in the rain?
Wearing Sennheiser headphones in the rain is not recommended. Most Sennheiser headphones are not designed to be water-resistant or waterproof, and exposure to rain or moisture can potentially damage the internal components of the headphones. Water can seep into the sensitive electronics, affecting the sound quality and overall functionality of the headphones.
If you need headphones for outdoor activities in wet conditions, consider looking for models that are explicitly designed to be water-resistant or waterproof. These headphones often come with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, indicating their level of resistance to water and dust. Always check the product specifications and user manual to ensure that your headphones are suitable for use in wet environments.
Final Words:
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones are a testament to Sennheiser’s dedication to delivering uncompromised sound quality and comfort. With top-notch noise cancellation and a host of features, they’re an excellent choice for discerning listeners and frequent travelers.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use the PXC 550-II in wired mode?
A: Yes, the headphones come with a detachable audio cable, allowing you to use them in wired mode if desired.
Q: Is the noise cancellation adjustable?
A: Yes, you can adjust the level of noise cancellation using the Sennheiser Smart Control app, allowing you to customize your listening experience.
Q: Do these headphones support voice assistants?
A: Yes, the PXC 550-II is compatible with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, providing hands-free control.
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